From Pakistan to Samaná: A Sunset Beach Proposal Wrapped in Caribbean Magic in Samana
Destination Engagement in El Valle Beach, Samaná
Some love stories travel oceans before they find the right place to unfold. This one began when Furqan reached out from Washington, DC, telling me he wanted to surprise Maha with a marriage proposal during their vacation in the Dominican Republic. They are both from Pakistan, now living between DC and Montreal. Two years together. A relationship built on deep conversations, music, movies, shared humor, and that kind of effortless connection that makes the world feel a little softer. When he told me, “She makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world,” I knew this proposal needed a location that felt just as meaningful and honest. That place became El Valle, Samaná. A wild, cinematic, rainforest meets ocean paradise that feels like it was made for moments and couples like Furqan and Maha.
Getting Ready
For weeks, Furqan and I planned everything in secret. We talked about the vibe he wanted: intimate, candid, zero production, just raw emotions and a soft picnic setup at the beach. We coordinated timing, outfits, where they would walk, when he would kneel... everything.
On the day of the proposal, we left Santo Domingo before sunrise, drove through the mountains to Samaná, and stopped by their Airbnb to pick up the small decorations he wanted for the setup. Then we headed to El Valle to prepare the space before they arrived.
Children were running along the shore, stray dogs sleeping under the palms, and the water was glowing under the golden afternoon light. El Valle is one of those places where the Caribbean feels untouched. Deep green mountains, white sand and a wild coastline that feels half tropical paradise, half Amazon jungle. By the time everything was set, the beach looked perfect for what was about to happen.
The Proposal
When Furqan and Maha arrived, I had to pretend to be a “local friend” he randomly had in the Dominican Republic. Maha was confused most sweetly. You could almost read her thoughts: “Why does Furqan have a photographer friend here… and why is he greeting us on a random beach?” She played along, still trying to make sense of it, while we walked toward the proposal setup. The picnic-style scene was ready. And then, as if the universe wanted a supporting cast, several stray dogs approached and sat with them. It was almost symbolic… like the beach itself was welcoming them.
Then the moment arrived. Furqan took a breath, held her hands, and knelt down. Maha’s reaction was pure emotion. Her face softened, her hands went to her face, and she dropped into the kind of embrace that feels endless. Behind them, the waves were crashing softly, almost like they were celebrating too.
After the tears came laughter; they opened a bottle of champagne and toasted to the new chapter unfolding in front of them. Then came the classic photo for their families back home in Pakistan, the formal but sweet portrait every couple does after saying yes. And of course, the stray dogs were always present.
Even though they insisted they were shy, the Dominican sunset had other plans.The light wrapped around them in the most cinematic way. They moved naturally, talked, laughed, walked along the shore, and lost themselves in the moment… and the dogs at El Valle kept appearing as if they were part of the story. It honestly felt like “The Isle of Dogs” but Caribbean edition.
Throughout the entire session, one thing stood out: they kept reaching for each other’s hands without thinking. Every time they laughed or paused, their fingers intertwined again. That simple instinct said more about their relationship than any pose ever could.
As the sun began to drop behind the mountains we finish the photoshoot and ran toward the ocean. They ended the session splashing, embracing, and laughing like two teenagers in love. It was the perfect ending to a proposal that already felt like a movie.
El Valle is unlike any other beach in the Dominican Republic. It’s raw, untouched, dramatic, and incredibly alive. A coastline that feels both intimate and grand at the same time. For proposals, engagements, or elopements, it’s a dream for couples who want something natural, emotional, and visually stunning.
If you’d like to see how this moment unfolded in real time, here’s a small behind-the-scenes video we created during the session. It captures the energy, the light, the nerves, the laughter, and the beautiful chaos that happens when a proposal comes to life on a beach as wild and peaceful as El Valle.
It’s a glimpse into the emotion behind the photos and the kind of experience I aim to create for every couple.
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did living it.
Proposals are powerful not because they are perfect, but because they are vulnerable. Furqan and Maha reminded me of that. Two people choosing each other, far from home, surrounded by nature, letting their emotions unfold freely. If you’re planning a proposal in the Dominican Republic and want something heartfelt, simple, and deeply authentic, I’d be honored to help bring that moment to life in a way that feels truly yours.